$1,000
Sonex Phase 1: tools and fasteners to start building the tail.
See the build costs →
Support the club
Help us build an airplane.
Membership in Aviation Club is free, and our officers are unpaid volunteers. Our flight simulator and student-built aircraft are funded by sponsors, partners, and fundraising. Here's exactly what we're raising for.
~$3,510
A complete simulator for the club office: PC, three displays, and flight controls.
See the simulator →~$59,300
Everything still needed to reach first flight, beyond our donated plans and aluminum.
See what it covers →
Flight simulator
A cockpit in our office.
An X-Plane 12 simulator in our Student Activity Center office, open to all 200 members for practice, demos, and events. We also bring it to org fairs to introduce new students to flying.
The same high-performance PC runs CAD work for the aircraft build, so one gift supports both projects.
| Sim / CAD PC RTX 5070 Ti, Ryzen 7, 32 GB RAM, 2 TB SSD | $1,900 |
|---|---|
| Displays Three 27" 1440p monitors and a mount | $850 |
| Flight controls Yoke, throttle quadrant, rudder pedals | $700 |
| Software X-Plane 12 | $60 |
| Complete simulator | ~$3,510 |
Sponsor a package
Flight controls
~$700
Yoke, throttle quadrant, and rudder pedals. A natural fit for sim hardware makers.
PC + displays
~$2,750
The computer and three-screen setup that also powers our CAD work.
Complete simulator
~$3,510
Everything above, plus X-Plane 12, with top logo placement on the sim station.
Equipment donations are welcome. Costs are current estimates.
Sonex Build
From donated plans to first flight.
Students are building a two-seat, all-aluminum Sonex A-Model from original scratch-build plans, aiming for first flight in Spring 2028.
Already donated
- Original plans and purchase documentation
- All the 6061-T6 aluminum sheet
- Factory wing spars and forms for bending parts
- Onshape CAD software
| Phase 1 · needed now Tools, fasteners, and Clecos to start the tail section | $1,000 |
|---|---|
| Engine Rotax 912 ULS, mount, propeller, cooling system | ~$31,900 |
| Avionics Glass panel, radio, ADS-B Out transponder, emergency beacon | ~$13,900 |
| Welded parts Control stick, rudder pedals, and fittings | ~$3,200 |
| Hardware Bolts, rivets, and control cables | ~$2,400 |
| Fiberglass Engine cowl, wing and tail tips, wheel fairings | ~$1,900 |
| Landing gear Titanium gear legs, wheels, tires, and brakes | ~$1,800 |
| Interior Seats and upholstery | ~$1,100 |
| Canopy Canopy, windshield, and frames | ~$800 |
| Fuel system Fuel tank and straps | ~$700 |
| Lights Position and strobe lights | ~$600 |
| Total to first flight | ~$59,300 |
Estimates as of October 2026, based on Sonex, Rotax dealer, and Dynon list prices. The final amount depends on the engine and avionics we choose with partners.
Biggest needs
Tools & fasteners
$1,000
Clecos, fasteners, and specialized tools so students can start riveting the tail section.
Rotax 912 ULS
~$31,900
Engine, mount, and propeller. We'd love to work with an engine dealer or donor.
Glass panel
~$13,900
A Garmin or Dynon display with radio and ADS-B Out. Equipment donations are welcome.
Sponsorship levels
Choose how you'd like to help.
Fund a project or a specific package, or contribute equipment, services, or expertise. Every sponsor is recognized in front of 200 aviation-minded students.
Supporter
- Name on this page
- Thank-you post on club social media
- End-of-year update with photos
Partner
- Everything in Supporter
- Logo on our website
- Logo on the sim station or Sonex sponsor board
- Recognition at all-member meetings
Flagship Partner
- Everything in Partner
- Top logo placement on the sim station or Sonex sponsor board
- A sponsor info session with members
Equipment and services count toward each level at fair market value.
Current partners
Thank you.
Onshape provides the cloud CAD software our members use to turn the Sonex plans into digital models.
Supported by
More ways to help
Not just funding.
Manufacturing
CNC, waterjet, or laser cutting for 12 ft × 40 in aluminum sheets, plus space to assemble.
Mentorship
Experienced builders, A&P mechanics, and engineers to review our work and teach new members.
Speak or host
Speak at a general meeting or host a company visit.
Recruit
Aviation Networking Night is free and open to all employers. You're also welcome at our aviation career fair.
Open fiscal policy
Where your support goes.
These rules come from our club constitution and financial policies, and they apply to every dollar we receive.
Free membership
Any UW–Madison student can join. We don't charge dues.
No salaries
Officers are unpaid volunteers, and no officer or member may profit from the club.
Mission only
Funds are spent only to further the club's mission, never for personal use.
Club account
Every contribution goes into the club's own bank account, managed by our Treasurer and open to University audit at any time.
Approved in advance
Every purchase needs officer approval first. Engines, avionics, tooling, and other major project costs need three officers, including two of our President, Vice President, and Treasurer.
Within our means
We never take on a financial commitment we can't reasonably cover with funds we have.
Reported to members
Any member can ask about any transaction, and the Treasurer presents a financial summary at an all-member meeting each year.
Your terms, honored
Money given for a specific package is spent on that package, and every sponsor gets an end-of-year update on how it was used.
FAQ
Questions
Can we donate equipment or services instead?
Yes. Engines, avionics, sim hardware, tools, and machining time all help, and they count toward sponsorship levels at fair market value.
Is a sponsorship tax-deductible?
Sponsorships go directly to Aviation Club, a registered student organization. They aren't charitable donations, but many companies treat them as a marketing expense; check with your tax advisor. If you need to make a tax-deductible gift instead, contact us.
Can individuals give?
Yes. Gifts of any size help and are recognized at the Supporter level. Email us and we'll explain how to give.
What if the costs change?
Prices move, and some choices depend on our partners. We keep this page current, and every sponsor hears exactly what their support paid for.
Get in touch
Let's build something together.
Tell us which project or package interests you, and we'll send our sponsor packet.
Or visit our office: 333 East Campus Mall, Suite 14, Madison, WI